Planning to catch the bagpipes in NYC, navigating the crowds is the only “luck” you shouldn’t leave to chance
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is rolling out extra service and specialized staff to ensure your celebration is more “gold at the end of the rainbow” and less “stuck on the platform.” Here is everything you need to know about schedules, extra trains, and the all-important beverage policy for the 2026 parade season.
New York City Parade: Tuesday, March 17
For the big show in Manhattan, NJ TRANSIT will keep things moving steadily.
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Schedule: All trains, buses, and Light Rail systems will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
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Extra Help: Look for Customer Service Ambassadors in bright vests at Penn Station New York, Secaucus, Aberdeen-Matawan, and Middletown. They are there to help you navigate the Tuesday commute/parade hybrid rush.
🚫 The “Dry” Rule: Strict Beverage Ban
If you’re planning to “toast” on the way to the parade, think again. To ensure safety and cleanliness during these high-volume events, NJ TRANSIT has issued a strict beverage ban.
IMPORTANT: No beverages—including alcohol, open or closed—are permitted on any train, bus, or platform during these special events. This includes the NYC Parade on March 17, the Pearl River Parade on March 22, and the Belmar Parade on March 28.
Quick Facts for Your Trip
| Event Date | Location | Line/Service | Beverage Ban? |
| March 17 | NYC | Regular Weekday Schedule | YES |
| March 22 | Pearl River | Enhanced PVL Service | YES |
| March 28 | Belmar | NJCL Hourly Shuttles | YES |
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Tags: #NJTransit #StPatricksDay #NYCParade #Belmar #PearlRiver #JerseyTravel #PublicTransit
